Programme Coordinator

Speed Freaks; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Speed Freaks is seeking a Programme Coordinator for Ōtautahi (Christchurch) to grow and support the running community. The role involves coordinating volunteers, expanding program reach and building partnerships within the recovery and wellbeing sector.

You will report to the South Island Development Manager and may travel locally within Ōtautahi. This permanent full-time position emphasizes connection, inclusion and participant engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in community development, recovery, mental health or wellbeing.
• Confident working with people in recovery or with lived experience.
• Enjoys face-to-face connection and engagement.
• Organised, self-motivated and relationship-focused.
• Comfortable presenting to and facilitating diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Support and oversee local volunteer coaches and participants.
• Strengthen participant engagement and community connection.
• Grow programme reach and sustainability in the region.
• Uphold and model the Speed Freaks kaupapa.
• Foster partnerships within the local recovery and wellbeing sector.
• Travel as required, with base from Richmond office.

Skills

Community development

Recovery/mental health

Face-to-face engagement

Organisation / time management

Public speaking / facilitation

Education

Professional qualification and registration desirable (e.g., Social Work; AOD Practitioner; Counsellor)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Programme Coordinator – Ōtautahi ( Christchurch)

Speed Freaks Community is growing and sharing #speedfreaksmagic

An exciting opportunity is open to support and develop the Speed Freaks Programme and Community.

Are you passionate about connection, community and understanding?

Do you believe in the power of movement to support recovery from addiction and mental distress?

Do you have a strong heart and a great pair of running feet?

About Speed Freaks

Speed Freaks Charitable Trust was established in 2021 to support recovery from addiction and mental distress through the vehicle of running and walking.

We grow community connection, increase recovery capital, and support inclusive communities. Our programme is delivered by trained volunteer coaches, supported by peers and staff, and grounded in our kaupapa that strengthens health and wellbeing, participation, inclusion, community connection, and the motivation to pay it forward.

Our development across Aotearoa has been shaped by participants, volunteer coaches and our wider community.

About the Role

We are seeking a community focused Programme Coordinator to grow and support the Speed Freaks community in Ōtautahi

Working alongside and reporting to the South Island Development Manager, you will:

• Support and oversee local volunteer coaches
• Strengthen participant engagement and community connection
• Grow programme reach and sustainability in the region
• Uphold and model the Speed Freaks kaupapa
• Foster partnerships within the local recovery and wellbeing sector

About You

You may be a great fit if you:

• Have experience in community development, recovery, mental health or wellbeing
• Are confident working alongside people in recovery / bring your own lived experience
• Enjoy face to face connection
• Are organised, self-motivated and relationship-focused
• Value inclusion, manaakitanga and connection
• Don’t mind lacing up your shoes and getting involved
• Are comfortable presenting to and facilitating a wide range of groups.

This is an active role: You need to be able to comfortably run 8-10 kilometres at a time, as you will at times be participating in group activities, including supporting and completing running and walking events on both road and trail.

Further role description; This is a permanent role, full-time role (40 hours per week). Reporting directly to the South Island Development Manager.

• Develop participant, volunteer coach and stakeholder engagement.
• Organise both internal and external events/activities for Speed Freaks groups.
• Grow volunteer and stakeholder relationships, through face to face work in the community.
• Meet reporting requirements and ensure policy and procedures are maintained.
• Respond to change and growth as our organisation continues to develop.
• Work with your Regional Development Manager and national local coordinators to develop local responses to identified areas of need.
• Be comfortable holding courageous conversations (clear boundaries and confidentiality are a must).
• Be happy to travel. Based from our Richmond office, travel is required to full fill this position, locally within Ōtautahi and occasionally out of region.

Requirements for this role

• A good understanding / experience of working in the AOD and mental health sector. A professional qualification and registration is desirable (e.g, Social Work; AOD Practitioner; Counsellor).
• A passion for running, walking and connecting with the community.
• A full drivers license essential and have access to reliable transport.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Confidence with computers, smart phones, and social media.
• Able to prioritise workload and structure computer time.
• Flexibility and motivation to respond positively in changing environments.
• The ability to consider creative solutions to issues and navigate hurdles.
• The ability to generate and create a safe space for individuals, whanau and community to flourish.

Position hours are required to be worked typically Monday to Friday with flexibility for weekend and evening work.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our mahi and meet our local groups, check out our YouTube Channel.

Closing Date:5pm Monday 14th September with interviews scheduled for Friday 18th September.

www.speedfreaks.org.nz